A FORMER football referee who was diagnosed with a brain tumour just two years ago has had a bright idea to raise money for Woking Hospice this Christmas.

Eamonn Smith, 48, who lives in Kingfield Gardens, Woking, has decked out the front of his house with an array of sparkling lights and displays in aid of the charity.

Having always had Christmas lights at his home, Mr Smith decided to use them for a good cause this year after moving out of his cul-de-sac property and into a more prominent position just off a main road.

He said: “I had a few lights when I was younger and at our old house it was almost a grotto on the inside, so this is the first year we have been raising money for the hospice.”

He chose Woking Hospice after his recent involvement with it following his illness, which began in January 2010.

Mr Smith was rushed to hospital after suffering a sudden night-time seizure, and a scan revealed a brain tumour that cannot be operated on.

He now faces a lifetime of scans, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to track the tumour’s progress.

Scans initially revealed it to be shrinking but more treatment was needed after it looked to have increased on a more recent hospital visit.

Mr Smith said: “It was a shock to the system, I never had any signs at all. A couple of times things went into slow motion.

"It’s like you are on the outside looking in, things go a bit slower and you concentrate harder and it stops.

“Then I had a nocturnal seizure and went to hospital. I was as fit as I could ever be at 45 and doctors said ‘unfortunately we think we have found a tumour’.

“They put me in touch with Woking Hospice as I’ve got a lifetime of scans and pills. The hospice has been really helpful. I thought if I can raise £50, it’s £50 more than they would have had.

“I think they should be helped a bit more anyway.

“I saw people who were a lot worse than me and luckily I have handled the chemo very well. It is all about survival really.”

Before being diagnosed, Mr Smith, who was born in Knaphill, worked as a courier and a Football League referee.

He has fond memories of being a linesman in front of thousands of people at big matches, including the County Cup Final at Woking with AFC Wimbledon playing, as well as televised matches.

Mr Smith added: “Having to retire from that, having strived so hard to get there, was hard to take. But I’m back on the parks doing pub teams, people need referees and I enjoy it.”